May 15, 2012 3:31pm EDTApril 8, 2012 11:25am EDTAuburn got a commitment from kicker Jimmy Hutchinson early—something you don't often see with kickers—and several other top prospects are waiting for right opportunity.

When it comes to the recruitment of kickers and punters, the process is a bit different. Most BCS programs don’t offer a scholarship until they can see the kicker or punter in person—whether it is during the spring drill evaluation period or over the summer at camps. Also, some programs encourage walk-ons for the position, and wait to award scholarships when the player is on campus.

Here are a few of the nation’s top prospects, whose recruitment will definitely be heating up in the next couple of months.

Daniel Carlson

Classical Academy (Colorado Springs, Colo.)

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Carlson says: “I would say right now coaches like my big leg most, and they also like that I can also punt and I’m able to handle pressure well.”

His take on schools: “My only offer right now is from Auburn. I have visited Baylor and Virginia, and they both said they are very interested in me, but like most schools have said they are not planning on offering until they are allowed to see me kick in person, which is of course understandable. Oregon, LSU, Ohio State, Cal, Stanford and Notre Dame have all showed interest. Many of them are going to try to fly out to Colorado some time in May to be able to watch me kick. Right now I am keeping my options open and will hopefully be able to decide before next season starts.”

Sean Covington

St. Petersburg (Fla.)

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The skinny on Covington: Covington may end up being a top punter at a BCS program, but he also could be a placekicker—or both. As a junior, he routinely boomed 50-plus-yard punts, while also hitting field goals in practice up to 64 yards long—while he hit a 48-yarder in a game.

School situation: The punter/kicker took a trip to Auburn earlier this spring, while also attending junior day at South Florida. Miami has also shown interest. More scholarship offers will likely fly in once evaluations are allowed during spring football, so a decision probably won’t come until after May.

MORE POSITION ANALYSES

Joseph Harvey

Harvey says: “Coaches like my athleticism to play different positions and they love the strength of my leg. I would have to say my strength would be long distance kicking.”

His take on schools: “The only schools recruiting me hard right now are Baylor and Texas Tech.”

Jimmy Hutchinson

Harrison (Kennesaw, Ga.)

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Hutchinson says: “Coaches like my consistency and combination of big hang times with good distance.”

His take on schools: Hutchinson committed to Auburn early, and he also reported a scholarship offer from UCLA. He is rated one of the nation’s top kicker/punters—if not the best one—by several recruiting services. “I love Auburn’s family atmosphere and tradition. SEC football is as big as it gets—they’re crazy about football and I can’t wait to be a part of the team.”